Bunion Facts

A bunion is simply an irregular bony bulge that can form at the base of a person's big toe, enlarging the area and having effects on the rest of the foot. One of the most prevalent causes of bunions is the wearing of ill-fitting shoes.

Effects

• The top of the big toe often moves inwards towards the other toes when a bunion forms, as the bony growth at the bottom of the toe extends outward from the foot. This same condition can also occur on the little toe, forming a bunionette.

Causes

• Wearing tight shoes is not the only way a bunion can develop. Arthritis, birth defects, foot injuries and engaging in an activity that features constant pressure on the feet, such as dancing, can also bring about bunions.

Symptoms

• Bunions cause swelling around the big toe's joint, a thickening of skin at that point, pain that can be constant or intermittent, and loss of mobility in the big toe.

Prevention/Solution

• A physician easily diagnoses a bunion by looking at the foot. Treatments include wearing different shoes, wearing shoe inserts and padding, or taping the foot to hold the toes in a better position.

Surgery

• Surgery is an option for severe bunions, with a surgeon sometimes having to realign the toe or even fuse bones to keep it from extending outwards.